Here’s two reasons against the pipeline

Posted
Wednesday, November 7, 2018 12:00 am

To the editor,

Atlantic Coast Pipeline, is it safe? One may ask why are families against this pipeline? Well, here are two reasons:

Corrosion. The coats on these pipes is supposed to reduce corrosion, but it is not indestructible. Corrosion can result on the inside of this pipe due to corrosive components of this fracked gas being transported through the pipe. It can also result on the outside of this pipe due to components of dirt, rock and groundwater. Corrosion degrades pipe and increases the risk of explosions.

The coating being used on these pipes is 3M ScotchKote Fusion Bonded Epoxy 6233. This coating can degrade in sunlight or with wind, rain and other exposure to the elements. According to a 2009 technical brief from 3M, some of the epoxy resins in fusion bonded epoxy coats have “poor ultraviolet light resistance.”

According to the National Association of Pipe Coats Applicators, “Above ground storage of coated pipe in excess of six months without additional ultraviolent protection is not recommended.” If the integrity of this coating is not maintained, the risk of explosions could increase.

Toxic ingredients. According to the Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet, this 3M coating contains a chemical or chemicals which can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm, cancer and other potential health effects.

According to a June 2018 letter from the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration that “the duration that the pipes will be stored at pipe laydown yards will exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations.”